mod bkgd

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

hello, 2012!

New year, fresh start. 2011 had its strikes and gutters, ups and downs, and I for one am very happy to be moving forward. Don't get me wrong -- there were good things about 2011, like my new position at the Press and our terrific new digs, but overall there was a certain too-muchness. We spent New Year's Eve with friends, the first time with little ones in tow, and it was delightful. I made Heidi's recipe for gougères, which were delicious but difficult to pronounce.

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2011's diagonal box-stitch afghan is still growing:

The stitch pattern has become second nature, and the superwash merino wool is soft and cushy (which is good, since I'm on my ninth skein of the stuff). If only the crochet hook hadn't fallen behind a heavy dresser yesterday! Note to self: must enlist Paul's help in moving that behemoth.

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There's a new project for 2012 in the works, too:

I cast on for Aidez at knit night, and the ribbing is going swimmingly. The cross-stitch cable instructions, however, aren't for the faint of heart, so I'm pleased that we're doing it as a knitalong

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I'm not really one for setting goals with my hobbies. For me the point is to relax and go with the flow. I get stressed out enough already -- no need for extra anxiety. I suppose one goal is to use the supplies I have! We're at maximum crafty storage capacity at the moment. I'd also like to finish my sadly neglected Shalder cardigan, knit Aidez in time to wear it this winter, finish a quilt that's been on the back burner far too long... oh wait, that's a whole bunch of goals. Onward and upward!

May health, happiness, and good times greet you each day of the new year.

I'm knitting Aidez as a KAL with my sister! Having a good time with it. Be aware that there are still some errors in the chart, and be prepared to switch cable-front to cable-back (my pattern isn't with me right now, so I can't be more specific) to get the trellis to weave right. That's a beautiful shade of blue for that sweater.

Love the idea of using the crafts supplies you have. This last year I decided the same thing about my fabric scraps -- why am I saving these, I wondered, if I never DO anything with them? So I started stitching them together in all sorts of impromptu combinations, and ended up making quite a few table runners, hot pad-type trivets, even a crazy quilt. It feels frugal and right to use stuff up rather than always stashing and looking for more places to stash. Best of luck with all your 2012 crafting :)

Congratulations on your new position and for also recognizing that it's just fine and dandy to go with the flow - no need to make a creative hobby a pressure. I think you've kicked off the new year just right.